Accra-Ghana: The Ghana Tourist Board (GTB) is to embark on an aggressive drive to promote domestic tourism in the country.
The GTB has therefore appealed to parents to encourage their children, especially those in the secondary schools, to patronize tourist sites to enable them not only to have fun but to also learn more about the country’s history.
Mr William Agambire, Northern Regional Director of GTB, told the GNA in an interview that to make tourism attractive and affordable, students and Ghanaians in general would be made to pay a token when they visit tourist sites unlike foreigners.
He mentioned some of the interesting tourist sites in the north such as the Mole National Park, the Larabanga Mosque and the mysterious stone, the Daboya smock industry and the Kulmasa crocodile pond.
He said it was regrettable that most of the tourist sites in the region were not in good shape and therefore unattractive to tourists.
Mr Agambire appealed to the government to tar the Larabanga road leading to the game reserve to make it motorable and comfortable for foreign tourists who visit the place.
Mr Agambire said the GTB was repacking tourism in northern Ghana as a Savannah destination point and in this regard it was giving a facelift to the tourist sites and also improving upon services.
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Mr Manoj Nair, Emirates Regional Manager for West Africa, has said the airline has introduced an Airbus A340-500 to its Accra –Dubai route to underline the airline’s commitment to Ghana.
He said the aircraft update which was effective February 13, 2012 would “offer travelers from West African markets seamless connections to the Far East, Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Australia, via Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport”.
Mr Nair, in a statement released in Accra on Monday, said the demand for Emirate’s flights to Accra had been steadily rising and that the introduction of the A340-500 would give customers an even better experience when they traveled on the Accra-Dubai route.
He said “our customers will now enjoy the very latest Emirates in-flight products, including our multi award-winning ice entertainment system. Additionally, First Class passengers will experience Emirates’ ergonomically-designed private First Class suites, featuring privacy screens for maximum exclusivity and massage-enabled seats which convert into flat beds. Our Business Class customers will experience angled lie-flat beds and those traveling in Economy Class will enjoy the comfort of generously-sized seats”.
The statement said Emirates, one of the world’s fastest-growing international airlines, serves Accra daily, with an A340-500 aircraft offering 12 First Class Private Suites, 42 seats in Business Class and 204 Economy Class seats and employs more than 130 Ghanaian nationals in a variety of roles across the Emirates Group, including 75 cabin crew.
It said the aircraft also has a total of 13 tonnes of cargo-carrying capacity. EK 788 departs Accra at 1845hrs and lands in Dubai at 0630hrs. EK787 leaves Dubai at 0740hrs and arrives in Accra at 1240hrs.
It said customers in all cabins can enjoy Emirates’ professionally selected wines, spirits and beverages, as well as fresh, locally-sourced dining options prepared by gourmet chefs and served by the airline’s multi-national cabin crew. Passengers can also lose themselves in more than 600 channels of on-demand entertainment, including 50 new movie releases, more than 20 movie classics and 20 children’s films.
Emirates has already launched new routes to Rio, Buenos Aires, Dublin, Lusaka, Harare and Dallas in 2012 would follow with Seattle on March 1, Ho Chi Minh City on June 4, and Barcelona on July 3, 2012.
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Ghana: Vice President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister of Tourism, Akua Sena Dansua, to conclude arrangements with the Cable News Network (CNN) for a documentary on the tourism potential of Ghana.
The Vice President in a meeting with the Minister and a team from CNN at the Castle, Osu in Accra, mentioned the potential of the tourism sector and said if properly harnessed could move up from its current position as the country’s 3rd largest contributor to the number one spot.
According to Vice President Mahama, Ghana is making strides in the new oil industry, which needs a credible media platform like the CNN to project its potential to attract businesses and investors across the globe.
The Vice President commended the Minister for initiating the project and assured her of government’s support to develop the tourism sector to its fullest potential.
He appealed to other corporate organisations and individuals to support the initiative of the Ministry of Tourism to market Ghana at the highest platform.
The Minister of Tourism, Akua Sena Dansua explained that at a World Tourism Organisation meeting held in Korea last year, it became imminent that Ghana’s tourism sector needed a boost and therefore the CNN became handy as a bigger platform to project its image.
She explained that at another meeting held in London in November last year, the details and modalities of the discussions were laid.
Madam Dansua said the CNN team then came down to Ghana to hold stakeholders meetings with all those who matter in the tourism business and it was very fruitful.
She noted that the decision is to re-promote and re-market Ghana as the Tourism destination in West Africa in particular and Africa in general in terms of both political and economic stabilities.
Madam Dansua mentioned that with the vast experience of Vice President Mahama as a media person and public relations acumen, the project is bound to market Ghana at the highest level.
She commended the Vice President for supporting the project and pledged to work with the CNN team to ensure its success.
The Tourism Minister also appealed to corporate organisations and individuals to support the project to make the tourism sector one of the best in Africa.
The CNN team explained that Ghana will be in charge of its own destiny as it tells its own story to the world.
The team assured the government that the documentary will open the country’s doors to potential investors.
A number of Flights to Accra are available from different world cities and cities in Ghana. So for Getting to Accra you can take these flights. Accra city is the main economic, communications and administrative center in the country. It is also the capital of the country. So choose from the Flights to Accra according to your itinerary and convenience.
The city of Accra in Ghana can be reached easily through the Airport in Accra. The city of Accra is the capital, of the country. The city is also the main economic, communications and administrative center. The Airport in Accra has numerous flights from different parts of the world and Ghana.
Kotoka International Airport is the main Airport in Accra. This Accra airport features numerous Accra Flights. The airport has excellent passenger and cargo services. It is also the main hub for Ghana International Airlines. Some of the Flights to Accra from various African, American and European cities are:
- Aero Contractors flies from Nigeria
- Afriqiyah Airways flies from Tripoli, Abidjan, Lome, Lagos
- British Airways flies from Heathrow in London
- Delta Air Lines has flights from JFK in New York
- Middle East Airlines flies from Beirut, Abidjan, Kano, Lagos
- North American Airlines flies from Baltimore/Washington, JFK in New York
- Air Ivoire flies from Abidjan, Lome, Cotonou
- Alitalia flies from Malpensa in Milan
- Antrak Air flies from Kumasi, Tamale, Ougadougou
- Royal Air Maroc has flights from Casablanca, Abidjan
- Slok Air International has flights from Monrovia, Freetown, Banjul, Dakar, Libreville
- South African Airways has flights from Johannesburg, Abidjan
- Virgin Nigeria has flights from Lagos
- EgyptAir has flights from Cairo
- Emirates flies from Dubai, Abidjan
- Ethiopian Airlines has flights from Addis Ababa, Lagos, Lome
- Kenya Airways flies from Nairobi, Freetown, Monrovia
- KLM flies from Amsterdam
- Lufthansa flies from Lagos, Frankfurt
- Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow
Getting to Accra is very easy from anywhere in the world. The Accra airport has well developed passenger and cargo facilities. Kotoka International Airport in Accra was named after Col. Emmanuel Kotoka in 1967. The colonel was shot near the airport during the “Guitar-Boy” attempted coup. In 2004 new departure and arrival terminals were opened.
For more details and booking cheap flights to Accra Ghana, please call our reservation experts on 02079936219 or visit our website cheapflightstoaccra.uk.com. Alternatively you can also send us your travel inquiry sales@cheapflightstoaccra.uk.com.
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Accra, the capital city, is the main entrance to Ghana. It is also one of the most frequented Tourist Destinations in Ghana. Located in western Africa, Ghana is one of the most economically flourished countries in Africa. Being the capital, Accra has very good transportation system as well as several other modern facilities for recreation and amusements. Therefore, you will find Accra Travel quite enjoyable and convenient.
Getting to Accra
Kotoka International Airport is the main entry point to Accra in Ghana. Accra being a major air transportation hub in Ghana has several direct flights to many international destinations from its international airport. From Kotoka International Airport you can fly to neighboring countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Lagos as well as various other cities in Middle East. Direct flights to New York and Washington in USA and European cities of Frankfurt and Amsterdam are available from Accra.
Traveling in Accra
A good network of road and standard transportation system in the city, make Accra travel easier for international tourists. Taxis are the most convenient mode of transportation for getting around in Accra. You can choose from metered taxi, shared taxi and Tro Tro. Metered taxis have meters to show the fare while shared taxis follow fixed routes and have fixed rates per passenger. TroTros, larger in size, ply on most of the routes in Accra .You can also hire a sedan, a form of car, from the car rental section of upscale hotels in the city.
Sightseeing in Accra
Sightseeing in Accra is not a problem at all. Various travel agencies are there to provide you with skilled drivers and experienced guides. Brochures of itineraries are available in plenty. There are many things to see in Accra. Its historical sites, various entertainment centers and beautiful beaches have made it one of the most popular Ghana Tourist Attractions. Once in Accra, you cannot miss out the following :
Labadi Beach
It is the most beautiful beach in Accra. The beach by the Atlantic Ocean features several cafe-restaurants, souvenir shops. If weather permits you will be entertained by a group of characters. They perform drumming, dancing, pony rides, and acrobatics on the beach.
Jamestown
It is the pride of Accra. Jamestown is also the oldest neighborhood in the city and an active fishing harbor as well.
Christianborg Castle
This 17th century castle is another historical asset in Accra. The castle was built by the Danes.
Independent Square
This is the main focal point in Accra. The square is surrounded with several old buildings and a number of shops to browse.
Apart from these, you can also visit the National Museum, Ghana Academy of Arts and Science and the National Archives of Ghana in Accra, to get an idea of the nation’s rich art and culture. So, come to Accra and explore the city at its best.
For more details regarding Accra Travel Guide and booking cheap flights to Accra Ghana, please call our reservation experts on 02079936219 or visit our website: http://cheapflightstoaccra.uk.com/. You can also send us travel inquiry at sales@flightsmaster.co.uk.
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Dec 11
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Tourist Attractions in Accra Ghana
The travelers coming to the city from far and wide always prefer to go for a tour of the tourist attractions in Accra as they throw light on the culture and traditions of the country. The capital of Ghana reflects the rich past of the country as it is the largest city of the country besides being the economics, communications and administrative center. All the highlights of Accra can be seen lying scattered in and around the city. The travelers have a lovely time in the city as there are loads of tourist attractions in Accra that they can see here and gather some knowledge about the country.
Some of the favorite Accra tourist attractions include Osu Castle, National Museum, independence Square, The National Art Center, Aburi Botanical Gardens, Shai Resource Reserve, Du Bois Memorial Center, the National Archives o f Ghana, the central Library of Ghana, the National Theater, the Accra International Conference Center, the Accra Centre for National Culture, the W.E.B. DuBois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture, the Ohene Djan Stadium and a lighthouse.
The Osu Castle in Accra deserve a special mention among all the places of interest in Accra as it is the seat of government in Ghana. The ‘Fort Christiansborg’ or more simply the ‘Castle’ as the Osu Castle is called served as the seat of government since the British colonial rule and continues to do so even today. The Osu castle is the working ground for around 2100 workers and has been visited by Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton and Gerhard Schroder. The Osu Castle also houses a permanent garrison, a shopping center, a clinic, a post-office and a cafe where the employees can chat and spend some time with their friends.
Another most frequently visited site during sightseeing in Accra is the The National Museum was officially opened to he public in the year 1957 on the 5th of March by the Late Princess Marina, Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Kent. The exhibits that you will get see along with a short film which is also shown throws much light on the culture and tradition of Ghana. The objects on display include archaeological objects belonging to the stone age period down to those of the recent historical past, contemporary paintings of the Ghanaian artists which are done in pastel, watercolors, acrylic, oil paints along with collages and the permanent ethnological exhibits comprising indigenous musical instruments, traditional textiles, chief’s regalia, pottery, stools, beads and gold-weights, Zulu wooden figures, Senfu masks from La Cote and colorful beads-ware form the south of Africa, the Bushongo carvings from Congoand the Ife bronze heads from Nigeria.
Best Time to Visit
Located on the Southern coast of Ghana, Accra tends to experience tropical climate, remaining hot and humid through most of the year. The remaining months encompass the relatively dry seasons of Accra. The cooler months of July and August are an ideal time to visit Accra as the rains begin to decline and temperatures also start to dip, averaging 21 to 22 degrees Celsius. The other good season to visit Accra is during November to early March. While temperatures rise marginally, averaging between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, owing to the lesser rainfall humidity tends to be lower. Another added benefit is the fewer mosquitoes during this period.
Getting to Accra Ghana
A number of Flights to Accra are available from different world cities and cities in Ghana. So for Getting to Accra you can take these flights. Accra city is the main economic, communications and administrative center in the country. It is also the capital of the country. So choose from the Flights to Accra according to your itinerary and convenience. Kotoka International Airport is the gateway to Accra for the international travelers whereas domestic tourists can follow roadways. The most convenient way for Accra Travel is to catch the flight to Accra and land at Kotoka Airport. From airport you can take a taxi towards downtown. Accra lies on railway lines to the neighboring cities of Tema, Kumasi and Takoradi.
For more details and booking cheap flights to Accra Ghana for ‘African Choral Festival’ please call our reservation experts on 02079936219 or visit our website cheapflightstoaccra.uk.com. Alternatively you can also send us your travel inquiry sales@cheapflightstoaccra.uk.com.
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Accra-Ghana: The Ghana Tourism Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has formally launched the maiden African choral festival dubbed ‘Africa Sing Aloud’.
The festival, which is scheduled for March 2012, is anticipated to host choirs around the world including several African American, West and Southern African and Korean groups.
It is also aimed at promoting the country as a tourist destination by fostering closer collaboration and cultural exchange among African countries which will attract domestic and international visitors.
Launching the festival, Akua Sena Dansua, Minister for Tourism, said the African choral festival was added to the calendar of tourism events in Ghana so as to tap into an established network of choral group tourism.
She said Ghana had decided to position itself as one of the major choral festival destinations, drawing thousands of choral music enthusiasts and their families from abroad to Ghana every year.
‘Already, about 17 international groups from US and Africa have expressed the desire to participate in the maiden edition in March 2012,’ she said.
’The participating countries will pay for participation in the event as well as spend in our economy during their period of stay in our country,’ Sena Dansua noted.
She said the event would further foster inter-regional cohesion as well as stimulate and boost the domestic tourism sector of the country.
The tourism minister thus called on the private sector to support the choral groups through sponsoring the event.
‘Companies who will be generous enough to sponsor some of the choral groups during the event will not regret their investments,’ she stated.
Executive Director of the authority, Julius Debrah, in his address, said the event, which would be held annually, promises to showcase the best of African culture through choral music as it would create the opportunity for the world choral music community to come together and share their values.
He said the selection of choral choirs would start from the regions, culminating in the international festival which would be under the theme ‘Celebrating Culture through Choral Music.’
Debrah further noted that renowned choral directors such as Dr. Andre Thomas from USA, Dr. Henri Pompidor from France, Dr. Andrea Angelini from Italy and Stephen Lutermann from Germany would be on hand to make the event a success.
Other sponsors of the event include the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, the National Theatre, multimedia group and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
For more details and booking cheap flights to Accra Ghana for ‘African Choral Festival’ please call our reservation experts on 02079936219 or visit our website cheapflightstoaccra.uk.com. Alternatively you can also send us your travel inquiry sales@cheapflightstoaccra.uk.com.
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Accra-Ghana: The Minister for Transport, Alhaji Collins Dauda, has announced that financial arrangements for the Tamale airport would soon be finalised to upgrade it to international status, to serve as an alternative to the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
This, he said, was to operate the airport as a hub for sub-regional flights, thereby easing pressure and congestion at the KIA, due to the increasing number of international flights and passengers.
According to him, international passengers, from January to August this year, increased by 16.7%, from about 900,000 in the same period in 2010, to over 1,000,000, while domestic operations increased to about 29.6% during the same period, from over 81,000 to about 106,000.
Taking his turn at the Meet-The-Press series at the Ministry of Information yesterday to inform the general public about events taking place in the Ministry, he said the upgrading of the Tamale Airport would also help to enhance efficiency in the handling of future Hajj operations, as ‘the region is characterised by a large Muslim population that performs the annual Hajj.’
Additionally, he pointed out that the Northern belt has a high agro-based industrial potential, great historic heritage and cultural sites, which require an efficient air transport system to boost agriculture and tourism, which would also serve as a stimulus to the Sahara Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) project.
In further anticipation of the future growth in traffic at the KIA, he said the Ministry, through the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), would continue to process the on-going acquisition of land at Prampram, which had been captured in the land-use development plan of the Dangme-West district, to develop a new international airport in the future.
Also, under the 2012 Budget, the government had provided GH¢10 million to undertake rehabilitation works on the Kumasi and Sunyani runways, he stated, stressing, ‘the rehabilitation works are necessary, because of the present level of deterioration and the increase in traffic, particularly, at the Kumasi airport, with the introduction of new and heavy aircraft.’
He observed that the Ghana Airports Company Limited would continue with the KIA Phase III rehabilitation project and the reconstruction of the taxiway, the main passenger apron, extension of the fuel mains, provision of Aeronautical Ground Lighting System, and the expansion and refurbishment of the KIA terminal building, including installation of aerobridges.
He added that to reduce passenger handling times, and in line with industry innovations, self-check-in equipment and software had been installed at the KIA to facilitate passenger processing, and ‘work on the refurbishment, upgrading and expansion of the Domestic Terminal for international operations has started, and is currently 80% complete.’
Other measures to improve the sector, he mentioned, include a new landing aid, Doppler VHF Omni-directional Radio Range, that has been installed to help pilots navigate safely and efficiently to or from the KIA under all weather conditions, without the need to depend on Air Traffic Controllers for information.
Touching on the railway sub-sector, he announced that the government had taken measures to revive the ailing railway system, under an Indian credit facility, to take delivery of wagons, spare parts and track materials to address problems of old rolling stock and track infrastructure to improve services.
He said Parliament had also approved a China facility for the rehabilitation of the Western Railway Line, whereas the railway line from the Tema Port was being extended to Tema Community 1, to increase the benefits to commuters between Accra and Tema.
He noted that this extension line was currently about 90% complete, and expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2012, which was necessary, because ‘the railway system in the country has completely broken down.’
As part of the government’s efforts to revamp the sector, the Ghana Railway Development Authority has completed a Railway Master Plan for the country, and would also pursue the rehabilitation of existing sub-urban railway lines at Takoradi – Kojokrom – Sekondi, Ejisu – Kumasi, Accra – Nsawam, and a feasibility study of the Eastern railway line, and source funding for its rehabilitation, said the Minister.
These, he pointed out, provide an alternative to transportation by road, where motor accidents have been rampant, and claiming an increasing number of human lives.
He expressed worry over increased road traffic crashes and casualties, saying that provisional records indicate that from January – September 2011, over 10,000 accidents were recorded across the country, involving about 14,400 vehicles.
These crashes resulted in the deaths of 1,679 persons with 9,980 injured, representing a marginal increase of 0.44% in road traffic crashes reported in 2010, and 26% and 14% increase in persons killed and persons injured respectively.
Therefore, as a measure to improve road safety, revised Road Traffic Regulations would be passed by Parliament to enforce the use of seatbelts, removal of disabled vehicles, through a private sector led commercial towing services, and prohibiting mobile phone use while driving.
Also, in line with the 2011 – 2020 Decade of Action for road safety, as declared by the United Nations, an implementation strategy would ensure the operation of speed cameras and installation of speed limiters in commercial vehicles with gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes and above, while teaching road safety in the formal academic curriculum of basic schools, among others.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority would reform its license administration through Computer Adaptive Testing, and ‘nine private investors who have been authorised would start construction of vehicle testing stations to complement DVLA’s role of vehicle testing and inspection to enhance efficiency.’
To complement the private sector in the provision of public transport, the government has supported the Metro Mass Transit acquire 75 VDL Jonckheere buses, and was expecting an additional 25 by end of the year, which, according to Alhaji Dauda, had enabled the service to add twenty new routes to its existing network.
Also, ‘the ailing Intercity State Transport Corporation is now showing signs of recovery’ through a business arrangement with J.A. Plant Pool Limited, that has ensured the delivery of thirty new buses, thereby enabling the company to restore services to some closed down routes.
In view of the approaching Christmas season, the Ministry has also issued a directive that requires commercial transport operators institute quality control measures in their operations, including conducting pre-departure checks at their stations.
Accra: The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has acquired $2.3 million worth of communication, navigational and surveillance equipment to meet the ever-changing safety needs in the aviation industry.
They are the Dopler Very High Frequency Omni-Range (DVOR) and the Distance Measuring Equipment which are used for air navigation services and have an incorporated Aeronautical Terminal Information System (ATIS) which broadcasts vital aeronautical information, such as weather and airport situational awareness, among other things.
The others are the Automatic Dependence Surveillance Contract/Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (ADSC-CPDLC), which enables air traffic controllers to communicate with pilots over a data link system, and the Automatic Weather Observation System, which has been installed at the Meteorological Department to provide accurate weather conditions to aircraft.
The inauguration of the three equipment in Accra yesterday coincided with the celebration of the 67th International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Day which falls on December 7, every year.
In an address, the Minister for Transport, Alhaji Collins Dauda, said the aviation industry in Ghana would always stand tall in the midst of other aviation giants in the West African sub-region and the world at large.
He said as an authority that was required to provide regulatory oversight, facilities and services for air transportation in Ghana, the GCAA’s technical, operational and financial records over the past decade or so spoke for themselves.
He said the time when air traffic controllers faced a number of challenges as a result of the lack of radar coverage in the remote and oceanic regions of Accra was over with the installation of the ADSC-CPDLC and other equipment.
Alhaji Dauda assured the workers of the GCAA of the government’s continuous support in providing safety oversight responsibility in the Accra Flight Information Region (FIR) to ensure that all airlines operated in maximum safety and security.
The Director-General of the GCAA, Air Commodore Kwame Mamphey, said the ICAO Day was established in 1994 through an assembly resolution to mark the 50th anniversary of the organisation which created on December 7, 1944.
He said the annual celebration was to establish and reinforce world-wide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation in the socio-economic development of states and the role of the ICAO in promoting the safety, efficiency and regularity of international air transport.
He said Ghana was acknowledged all over the world as the aviation hub of West Africa, adding that that did not happen by chance but as a result of some of the prudent policies, decisions and investments that had been made and still continued to be pursued.
Air Commodore Mamphey said in an attempt to sustain global air transport, the GCAA, in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the ICAO, was to implement flexible routes in the continental and oceanic regions, and the aim was to enable flights to use flexible routes, instead of conventional fixed routes, and aided by wind direction to save fuel and reduce the emissions of CO2.
He said apart from investing in equipment and technology, the GCAA was also clear on its vision and mission to become a world-class aviation regulator and provider of air navigation services, adding that currently 17 air traffic controlling and 20 electronic engineering trainees were under training as part of plans to ensure adequate human capital at all times and ensure an effective career succession plan.
According to him, there was so much confidence in the Accra FIR that day by day many airlines were applying to do business in Ghana, while the domestic front was booming with new airlines.
Air Commodore Mamphey gave the assurance that the GCAA would continue to nurture the domestic airlines and encourage interested operators to extend their operations to cover the West African sub-region.
Delta Air Lines this weekend marks its fifth anniversary of nonstop service between the United States and Africa, a historic milestone for the airline that today is a leading international carrier with a world-class global network.
Delta launched its first flight between Atlanta and Johannesburg, South Africa, via Dakar, Senegal, on Dec. 4, 2006. A week later, it began serving Accra, Ghana, from its hub at New York-JFK. It was the first major U.S. airline to operate nonstop service between the United States and Africa since Pan Am suspended flights in the 1980s.
In the years since those first historic flights, Delta’s Africa service has continued to expand and today it is the leading U.S. carrier to Africa, with service to six African cities in five countries.
“Five years ago, Delta saw an opportunity in Africa to offer our customers access to a region that had long been overlooked by U.S. carriers,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s executive vice president – Network Planning, Revenue Management and Marketing. “Today Africa has become a key part of our international network, and we’re committed to continued long-term growth in the region.”
On Dec. 1, Delta again expanded its African network to offer nonstop service between Accra, Ghana, and Abuja, Nigeria, in partnership with Air Nigeria(1). The service operates twice weekly using Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, equipped with 36 BusinessElite seats, 29 seats in Economy Comfort and 143 seats in Economy.
Some key milestones include:
Delta has grown from 22 weekly departures between the United States and Africa in December 2006 to 44 weekly departures in winter 2011.
Delta has transported more than 2.5 million passengers to and from Africa since December 2006.
Delta is the only airline to operate nonstop service from Accra to two cities in the United States – Atlanta and New York JFK.
Delta is the only airline to operate service to the United States from two cities in Nigeria – Lagos and Abuja.
Delta is the only airline to operate direct service to the United States from Liberia, via Accra.
Delta’s current Africa service:
City City
New York-JFK Dakar, Senegal
New York-JFK Accra, Ghana
New York-JFK Monrovia, Liberia via Accra
New York-JFK Abuja, Nigeria via Accra
Atlanta Lagos, Nigeria
Atlanta Johannesburg, South Africa
Atlanta Monrovia, Liberia via Accra
Atlanta Accra, Ghana
Accra, Ghana Monrovia, Liberia
Accra, Ghana Abuja, Nigeria
Other recent developments in Delta’s Africa service include:
Delta increased its service between Accra and Monrovia to three times weekly in July 2011.
Effective June 1, 2011, Delta introduced a premium economy section – “Economy Comfort” – on all its intra-Africa services. The new seats feature up to four additional inches of legroom and 50 percent more recline than Delta’s standard international Economy class seats.
Delta is investing in ground services and recently upgraded its gate facilities at Accra airport, and renovated its gate facilities in Liberia.
In Lagos and Accra, Delta has launched a new Delta Protocol service which provides airport concierge service throughout both airports from check-in to boarding the aircraft for BusinessElite passengers
Delta will also be introducing the new full-flat bed seat in BusinessElite between New York-JFK and Accra and Abuja in mid-December, and between Atlanta and Accra and Monrovia in 2012. This aircraft will also provide passengers in economy class with individual on- demand entertainment systems
Delta is investing in new international terminals at its two U.S. gateways to Africa – New York-JFK and Atlanta. In Atlanta, the new Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal is scheduled to open in spring 2012. At JFK, Delta’s expanded and enhanced Terminal 4 will open in 2013.
“Despite our success in Africa, we’re not standing still,” said Perry Cantarutti, Delta’s senior vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “We continue to look for new opportunities to serve this fast-growing market, and I expect Africa to be an exciting part of Delta’s long-term growth.”
Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year, and was named by Fortune magazine as the most admired airline worldwide in its 2011 World’s Most Admired Companies airline industry list. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 335 destinations in 59 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry’s leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline’s service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, a world-class airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.
(1) Service will be marketed and sold by Air Nigeria pursuant to a codeshare agreement with Delta. At this time, Delta cannot sell local traffic between Accra and Abuja.
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